As with desktop consoles, portable models are devices that have a completely closed system, contrary to what we can find in desktop computers. The latter allow us modify every last element of its entrailsso that we can always have the device updated, whenever we want (and what we can afford).
The only customizable element of the consoles, and it is almost always through external form, is the storage. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S offer alternatives to expand your base storage, one opting for traditional SSDs and the other for its own storage system. However, with portable consoles something completely different happens.
Both the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck only allow you to expand your storage through the use of microSD cards, which, although they may be capable of offering really competent data, pale when compared to what is seen in the most current SSDs. However, Valve’s console has a great advantage over Nintendo’s hybrid: internally it’s still a miniature gaming laptop.
What does this mean? That if we dare (because it is necessary to open the console), we will be able to change the storage system from the Steam Deck, exchanging it for a model with a greater capacity or speed than the one of the model that we have previously acquired. Therefore, if we have opted for the most basic model, which uses 64 GB eMMC storage, and we decide to upgrade it with an SSD, the performance (and capacity) improvement will be considerably high. However, it is necessary to keep in mind many aspects when buying an SSD for Steam Deck.
What to consider when buying a 2230 SSD for Steam Deck?
The first thing to keep in mind when wanting to modify the SSD of our Steam Deck is that it will be necessary to open the console, something that Valve strongly recommends that it not be done by users. Beyond this, it is also important to know that not all SSDs are compatible with the console, since only a series of very specific models can be installed on it. Next, we are going to talk about all aspects to take into account.
How to open the Steam Deck?
As I have mentioned, the first aspect to assess when wanting to change the Steam Deck SSD is that it is necessary to open the console. Valve itself shared a video where you can follow the process step by step, being a must-view if we intend to venture to carry out this complicated task. Specifically, we must remove the 8 screws that the console has: 4 in the central part and another 4 at the ends. Once removed, we must remove the casing, using utensils such as spikes to avoid forcing the console with our own hands.
Once we have the console open, there are two options. On the one hand, we will have to unscrew other 3 screws located on the metal plate, which must be removed to access the storage system used by our console model. In this case, one of the screws will be located under a sticker, something that happens if the aforementioned plate is gray. On the other hand, it is possible that the color of this plate is black, in which case we will only have to remove 2 screws, since this model does not have the sticker mentioned above.
By performing these steps, we will already have before us the storage system of the console. However, before removing it and beginning the installation of the SSD that we have purchased, we need to disconnect the battery, since the console could suffer serious problems if we modify the storage system with it plugged in. AND voilawe can now change our storage system.
The console only supports the 2230 format
Contrary to consoles like the PlayStation 5, which support NVMe M.2 SSDs, the Steam Deck is not compatible with traditional SSD formats. Despite the fact that the aforementioned models have a really small size, consoles like Valve’s or the recent Asus ROG Ally they need a specific format of SSD to be able to work correctly: the SSD 2230.
Why are they called this way? Simply and simply because of its size. This type of SSD has dimensions of 22 millimeters wide and 30 millimeters long, making them much more compact products than NVMe M.2 SSDs. However, the only difference between these devices is precisely their size, since the connection is also made through M.2 ports.
storage capacity
Once we are clear about the format we need to modify the SSD of the Steam Deck, it is important to choose correctly the capability we want to add to the console. In the event that we have acquired the cheapest model of the console, any improvement will be noticeable, since, at the very least, we will be able to double the capacity that we have available.
My recommendation is to go, at least, to the 512 GB models. With this capacity we should have enough availability to have more than one game installed at the same time, and even those that take up more space. However, if we are able to afford the investment, it is best to opt for 1 TB SSDssince we can find options that are not much more expensive than the previous models and that imply having twice the capacity available.
Read and write speed
As with all NVMe M.2 SSDs, the speed of these devices will vary depending on the model. The main element that will make the difference is the type of architecture used by the model we choose. On the one hand, there will be those compatible with PCIe 3.0; on the other, those who already make the leap to PCIe 4.0. The latter are capable of offering twice the maximum speed than the former, which is why they are the most recommended models if, in addition to capacity, we want performance when playing to be the best possible.
Should I risk it or go for a microSD?
The Steam Deck is optimized to get the most out of microSD cards. However, contrary to what happens with Nintendo Switch, which is the other competitor in the market that makes use of this type of card, the Steam Deck supports much higher speeds than those that are capable of offering this type of storage alternatives.
The main advantage offered by microSD cards is the ease with which we can expand the storage of the console. The process will be as simple as inserting the card and starting to use it. However, the speed that SSDs are capable of offering leaves the speed achieved by these devices in a very bad place. Therefore, and in line with what was mentioned previously, if we want capacity and power, the best option will always be an SSD.
Which SSD 2230 for Steam Deck to buy?
fresh M.2 2230 SSD – 512 GB
In the event that we are looking for an economic model, and we do not mind that we have a lower capacity, this SSD from the frescu brand is the best cheap option that we can find on the market. It has a total of 512 GB of storage, and makes use of the PCIe 3.0 architecture, which allows it to offer read speeds up to 3,200 MB/s. Now on Amazon for a price of 55.51 euros.
frescu M.2 2230 SSD, 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 X4 AP425 Internal Solid State Drive Compatible with Steam Deck/Microsoft Surface Pro 9/8/7+/X/Go 3/Laptop 5/4/3
SYONCON SC930 PRO M.2 2230 SSD – 1TB
This model represents a considerable improvement in all aspects compared to the previous one. First of all, storage doubles up to 1TB capacity, and secondly, this time the architecture it uses is PCIe 4.0. This represents a considerable improvement in the speed of the device, since it is capable of offering read speeds of up to 4,950 MB/s, and write speeds of up to 4,400 MB/s. On Amazon for 89.99 euros.
SYONCON SC930 PRO M.2 2230 SSD NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0X4 Internal Solid State Drive Compatible with Steam Deck/Microsoft Surface Pro 8/Pro 7+/Pro X/Laptop3/Laptop4/Laptop Go/Book3 (1TB)
Fanxiang S700 M.2 2230 – 1TB
Despite being a little-known brand, Faxiang offers a very interesting model with this S700. In this case it is also a PCIe 4.0 model, but in this case we find ourselves with a higher speed. Specifically, this device achieves read speeds over 5,000 MB/s. It also has a capacity of 1 TB, so it is perfect so that we do not have space problems. On Amazon for 99.99 euros.
Fanxiang S700 M.2 2230 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe 4.0 Internal Solid State Drive, Up to 5000MB/s, Compatible with Steam Deck and Surface Pro 7+/8/9/X
SABRENT 2230 M.2 NVMe – 1TB
Once again we are dealing with a PCIe 4.0 device, and although the speeds are somewhat lower than the previous model (a read speed of 4,750 MB/s and a write speed of 4,300 MB/s), it is a brand that has a greater recognition in the market, for those looking for a safer option. In addition, again we are faced with a 1 TB storage device. On Amazon for 103.99 euros applying a discount coupon of 16 euros.
SABRENT 2230 M.2 NVMe Gen 4 1TB, Internal SSD 4750 MB/s Read, PCIe 4.0 X4, Internal Solid State Drive, Compatible with Steam Deck, Surface Pro, PCs, NUCs and Laptops (SB-2130-1TB)
Corsair MP600 Mini M.2 2230 – 1TB
To finish, we talk about the most recommended option of all. The Corsair brand has more than enough baggage when it comes to SSDs, and this time we find one of the best models for Steam Deck. Making use of the PCIe 4.0 architecture, it is capable of providing a read speed up to 4,800 MB/s. In addition, the model also has 1 TB, so we can install dozens of games on our console. On Amazon for 122.98 euros.
Corsair MP600 Mini 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 2 SSD – M.2 2230 – up to 4,800MB/sec Sequential Read – High Density 3D TLC NAND – Ideal for Steam Deck and Microsoft Surface – Black
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Images | Alexander Andrews in UnplashSharkspeed, Fresco, Syoncon, Fanxiang, Sabrent, Corsair
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